Reporting potential child sexual abuse is essential for recovery – and also a legal obligation, says experienced attorney Aaron Blank.
Recent reports have highlighted a troubling trend: child sexual abuse, particularly in boarding schools, is severely under-reported, with less than 40% of children disclosing their abuse, even though children are more frequently victims of abuse than adults.
It's essential for individuals to understand their role in protecting children—every suspicion or knowledge of abuse should be immediately reported to authorities like the Department of Social Services or the Child Protective Services (CPS) hotline, urges Abuse Guardian's Maryland advocate and experienced sexual abuse attorney Aaron Blank.
This is more than a moral obligation - it's also mandated by law in Maryland, and failure to report may result in penalties should the abuse be discovered later on.
When a child discloses abuse, it's vital for parents and guardians to take action. Here are steps to follow:
A specialized attorney can offer comprehensive legal advice and support through the process of seeking justice, from initial reporting to potential court proceedings.
Maryland's Abuse Guardian advocates provide a plethora of services to aid abuse survivors. For those affected by boarding school abuse, support includes:
With Abuse Guardian, survivors and their families are not alone. Aaron Blank is always ready to assist, offering the necessary resources to pursue healing and justice. Accessing the right support can make a significant difference in the outcome for survivors seeking to confront and overcome the impacts of abuse - so report abuse and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.